Arnold in Africa - No one said it was going to be a cakewalk

Russel Arnold

No one said it was going to be a cakewalk, but that doesn't ease the disappointment of losing the first two one-day internationals. No excuses though, we didn't play up to our ability and we let ourselves down.

We performed inadequately in all departments of the game. The batting didn't click and we failed to occupy the crease for sufficient periods of time. The bowlers have struggled to maintain a tight line and length and, our fielding, after an excellent display in the first game, let us down badly in the second game in East London.

Indeed, the fielding in the first game nearly helped us pull off victory. We were in with a chance right up to the end. However, there is a fine line between success and failure in one-day cricket. Klusner and Rhodes batted well at the close and guided them home.

There is no denying that we have lost some of our bubble. However, we also realise that this is part of the game. You will always go through ups and downs, be it personally or as a team.

South Africa look to have grown in confidence since we played them in Sri Lanka. They drew in Australia and have begun their home season in commanding form against New Zealand. They are extremely competitive and will clearly be difficult to beat in the test series.

On the positive side we have drawn comfort from the fact that no one played at their best. South Africa did not beat us because they are a better team. They won because they played better on the day. Our record during the last year shows that, statistically at least, we have been the best team in the world. We believe that we can lift our performance and, when we do, we can defeat South Africa.

We have now shifted our focus towards the test series and the three-day game, which starts today. It will give us a chance to regain some momentum and confidence. They guys are really focused and desperately keen to lift our game.

Personally, I haven't hit peak form but I have adjusted to conditions am feeling better with every day. In fact, contrary to our expectations, the pitches have not been that quick and the bounce has been somewhat variable so far. This has made it tougher to score runs.

The tour itself has been quite hectic to date. Traveling, training and the games themselves have taken up the majority of our time. Nevertheless, whenever possible we have managed to slip in a game of pool in the hotel.

Some of the guys have been missing their rice and curry. Personally, I am not fussy with my food and enjoy everything. The other day we came across a can of our local food, which kept the boys happy for a while! Dav of course is in his element and has been greedily tucking into the steaks.

We have heard a lot about the crime being bad in South Africa. However, we have not seen anything so far and the local people have been really hospitable. Whether they will still be when we return to top form remains to be seen!